Lecture 13/14:Working in prisons Flashcards
What is the significance of prison officers in understanding ‘the prison experience’ according to Liebling, 2011a
Most prisons research is focused on prisoners.
Prison officers’ work has low visibility compared to police officers.
The effects of prison officers are crucial to understanding ‘the prison experience’ and determining why some prisons are ‘more survivable than others,’ as stated by Liebling, 2011a (530).
How has the profile of a ‘typical’ prison officer changed over time?
- Then: ‘remarkably homogeneous group of… middle-aged family men …[with] military backgrounds’ (Marsh et al., 1985: 97, cited in Liebling et al, 2011b: 33)
- Now: Cross-posting, greater emphasis on interpersonal skills than physical strength
- Some evidence lower levels of violence in men’s prisons with good levels of female staff (Tewksbury and Collins, 2006)
What are some non-operational roles in the prison system?
interventions facilitators
Psychologists (and trainees)
Probation officers/offender managers
Intelligence/anti-corruption analysts
Healthcare workers
Educators and trainers
Chaplains and religious leaders
Variety of third sector and voluntary roles
What are some operational roles in the prison system, beyond just prison officers?
Occupational Support Grades
Key workers/personal officers and offender supervisors
Specialist roles
Prison managers (governors)
‘Work your way up’ or Unlocked Graduates
What are some continuities and new developments in the characteristics and training of prison officers?
Continuities include very basic entry requirements and limited practical on-the-job training
New developments involve the introduction of Custody and Detention
Professional Apprenticeship
Gender-specific training has been introduced for working in the female estate
What are the motivations mentioned for prison officers, as described by Arnold (2016)?
Motivations include ‘economic pragmatism’ and ‘self-other actualization’
According to Arnold (2016), Liebling et al. (2011b), and Crawley (2004), what are some of the multiple roles played by prison officers?
Turnkeys’ and ‘warders’
Security and supervision of offenders as the priority
Regime delivery
Gatekeepers
Rule enforcers, and also rule interpreters
Peacekeepers, and peace accomplishers
‘Care bears’
Carers for older prisoners
Potential therapeutic role arising from cross-posting
Pro-social role models and promoters of rehabilitative cultures
What is emphasized as the priority for prison officers in their multiple roles, according to Arnold (2016), Liebling et al. (2011b), and Crawley (2004)?
Security and supervision of offenders
According to Crewe (2011), Liebling (2000, 2004), and Liebling et al. (2011b), what does discretion and ‘jailcraft’ involve for prison officers?
Skill in the ‘correct’ exercise of power and authority, not just following ‘the rules’
Power deployed through relationships and staff professionalism
Ability and willingness ‘to get things done’
Understanding prisoners’ frustrations and worries, avoiding a ‘jobsworth’ attitude
What is the key aspect emphasized in the deployment of power by prison officers, as discussed by Crewe (2011), Liebling (2000, 2004), and Liebling et al. (2011b)?
Power is deployed through relationships and staff professionalism
According to Crewe (2011), Liebling (2000, 2004), and Liebling et al. (2011b), what role does ‘institutional memory’ play in the exercise of discretion and ‘jailcraft’ among prison officers?
Institutional memory’ is crucial in understanding the importance of occupational culture.
The exercise of discretion is reflected upon and reflected in the prison’s moral performance.
What is the primary task assigned to (forensic) psychologists working in prisons, as discussed in relation to HMPPS, according to the information provided?
The primary task for (forensic) psychologists in prisons, particularly within HMPPS, is report writing, involving the assessment of risk and criminogenic needs, both before and after Offending Behavior Programs (OBPs).
Psychologists also contribute to the development of management policies, work at the Headquarters, and play a role in approving research access.
What motivates psychologists working in prisons, according to the information provided in the text?
Psychologists working in prisons are primarily motivated by the desire to “do good” and witness positive results, both for prisoners and society. Additionally, they find motivation in the intellectual and professional challenges associated with their work.
What perspective do Humanists hold regarding prisoners, as mentioned in the provided information?
Humanists believe that every prisoner has the capacity to change, especially with proper support and ‘treatment.’ They express frustration with the emphasis on risk-oriented work, highlighting the loss of a broader therapeutic ‘human service’ approach.
What is the primary focus of the role according to the Functionalists’ perspective, as mentioned in the provided information?
Functionalists emphasize that the primary focus of the role is public protection. They seem untroubled by the coercive aspects associated with their responsibilities.
